Spanish Politics: Power Shifts and Ideologies (1837-1843)
Power Alternations (1837-1843)
Moderates in Government (1837-1840)
Following the approval of the constitution, the moderates won the 1837 elections. In 1840, they drafted a more restrictive electoral and municipal law, granting themselves the power to appoint mayors of provincial capitals. They also initiated legislation to reintroduce the tithe. This municipal law sparked opposition from progressive liberals, leading to an insurrection and the formation of revolutionary committees. Maria Cristina
Read MoreRestoration Era in Spain: Cánovas, Sagasta, and Political Shifts
The Restoration Era in Spain
The regime of the Restoration is the brainchild of Antonio Cánovas del Castillo, who believed the nation needed stability after the turbulent Sexenio Democrático. Cánovas’s ideas were based on:
- Forming strong parties that take turns in power (as in the British model). In this sense, a pact was signed between Cánovas, Sagasta, and Pardo.
- Involving a maximum of political forces in the system, constituting a “representative opposition”: Republicans, Carlists, progressives,
Key Events in 20th Century Spain: A Concise History
Key Events in 20th Century Spain
Tragic Week (July 1909)
The War of Morocco led the government to send reservists, who had to embark in Barcelona. This triggered a strike that escalated into an insurrection, resulting in numerous deaths, international condemnation, and the fall of the Maura government.Military Juntas de Defensa
These associations demanded changes in the promotion system, contrasting it with the rapid advancement of officers in Morocco.Battle of Annual (1921)
This battle resulted
Key Concepts: History, Politics, and Economics Explained
Why is Galdós considered a novelist of reality?
He draws on reality to write his work, mainly set in 14th-century Madrid. Representative works include: Doña Perfecta and Misericordia.
What are Clarín’s novels?
La Regenta, Su único hijo.
What is the difference between the way of achieving democracy in Britain and France?
In Britain, democracy was achieved based on electoral reforms under a stable parliamentary monarchy. In France, it was achieved under successive revolutions and political instability.
Read MoreFrancoism in Spain: Politics, Economy, and Society (1959-1975)
Francoism in Spain (1959-1975)
In the early 1950s, Franco, having initially liberalized the economy, found himself unable to carry out his plan of autarky. This situation propelled Spain towards modernization. However, the regime’s core principles and behavior remained unchanged.
Political Aspects
Political Transformations: In the 1960s, Franco’s power was divided between two political factions:
- Opus Dei Technocrats: Supported by Carrero Blanco, they managed to liberalize the economy while maintaining
Franco’s Regime: Spain Under a Military Dictatorship
1. Franco: A Military Dictatorship
The regime of Francisco Franco (1939-1975) was a dictatorship characterized by opposition to communism and liberal democracy, and the defense of traditionalism and unity in Spain.
A Totalitarian Regime
Franco was head of state and held the title of “Caudillo” (Leader) in Spain. He concentrated all executive, legislative, and judicial power. He was also the supreme commander of all the armies.
All parties, unions, and political associations were outlawed, and their
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